Kansas KDHE Issues Boil Water Advisory for Culver

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Published March 21st, 2026

Detected March 23rd, 2026

Summary

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Culver public water supply system due to a loss of pressure, which could lead to bacterial contamination. The advisory took effect on March 21, 2026, and will remain in place until the issue is resolved and confirmed by laboratory testing.

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What changed

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Culver public water supply system in Ottawa County, effective March 21, 2026. The advisory was triggered by a loss of pressure in the water system, which KDHE states could result in a loss of chlorine residuals and potential bacterial contamination. This advisory requires customers to boil water for one minute before drinking or food preparation, to avoid using ice from automatic icemakers, and to disinfect dishes and food contact surfaces. Water used for bathing is generally considered safe, but supervision of children is advised.

This advisory will remain in effect until the KDHE confirms that the system is free from bacterial contamination through laboratory testing and issues a rescind order. Businesses, particularly food establishments, are advised to contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture for guidance on operational impacts. Consumers with questions can contact the water system directly or the KDHE.

What to do next

Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.
Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.
Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.

Source document (simplified)

Boil Water Advisory Issued for the City of Culver, Ottawa County

Press Releases - Boil Water Advisories Posted on March 23, 2026

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Culver public water supply system located in Ottawa County.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.
Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.
If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.
Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.
Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians. The advisory took effect on March 21, 2026 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a loss of pressure. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

Regardless of whether the public water supplier or Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at 785-283-4238, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service

Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety & lodging program at [email protected] or call 785-564-6767.